NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY CELEBRATES MARILYN MONROE'S 100TH BIRTHDAY
Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait had opened in London running until 6th September 2026.
The National Portrait Gallery will mark the centenary of Marilyn Monroe's birth with a landmark exhibition exploring the life, career, and enduring cultural influence of one of the most iconic figures of the twentieth century. 60 years after her death, the iconic movie star still remains one of the worlds most interesting cultural figures.
Marilyn Monroe, 1946, by André De Dienes, © André de Dienes / MUUS Collection.
Presented in collaboration with the Estate of Marilyn Monroe, Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait will run from 4 June to 6 September 2026 and brings together an exceptional collection of photographs, artworks, and archival material that examine Monroe's role in shaping her own image and legacy.
The exhibition traces Monroe's journey from her early years as Norma Jeane to her rise as an international film star and cultural phenomenon. Featuring works by celebrated artists including Andy Warhol, Pauline Boty, James Gill, Rosalyn Drexler and Audrey Flack, alongside photographs by more than twenty renowned photographers, the exhibition offers a fresh perspective on a woman whose image continues to resonate across generations.
Green Marilyn, 1962, by Andy Warhol, © 2026 The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc. / Licensed by DACS, London, National Gallery of Art, Washington. Gift of William C. Seitz and Irma S. Seitz
Among the exhibition's highlights are previously unseen photographs taken by photographer Allan Grant at Monroe's Brentwood home shortly before her death in 1962. Captured during a private session for Life magazine, the images reveal a more intimate and reflective side of Monroe, showcasing moments of contemplation, confidence, and emotional depth.
Rather than focusing solely on Monroe's status as a Hollywood icon, the exhibition explores her active involvement in the creation of her public persona. Through photographs, artworks, and personal stories, visitors will discover a woman who understood the power of image-making and worked closely with photographers and artists to shape how she was portrayed.
The exhibition also examines Monroe's lasting influence on contemporary culture and visual art. Following her death in 1962, artists on both sides of the Atlantic transformed her image into a powerful symbol of fame, beauty, vulnerability, and celebrity culture. Their interpretations helped cement Monroe's place as one of the most enduring icons in modern history.
Victoria Siddall, Director of the National Portrait Gallery, said:
"Marilyn Monroe remains one of the most recognisable figures in modern history. This exhibition celebrates not only her extraordinary life and career but also the remarkable legacy she continues to inspire around the world."
Curated by Rosie Broadley and Georgia Atienza, the exhibition is accompanied by a fully illustrated publication featuring contributions from leading writers, critics, and cultural commentators, offering new insights into Monroe's life, image, and continuing relevance.
📍Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait, The National Portrait Gallery
🗓 4 June – 6 September 2026
🎟 Tickets available here | Free for members